Our rivers delivered when we needed them the most

JUST a few days remain until the end of what has been the most turbulent season in memory.

It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating the June 16 restart on rivers, basking in the sun which followed the first lockdown, and enjoying some well-earned action with roach, chub and barbel.

This year, perhaps more than ever, we weren’t alone in enjoying this resource as hordes of lockdown-loopy members of the public launched their blow-up boats, inflatable kayaks and paddleboards, and rediscovered the rivers too.

While it was we anglers who dealt with their mess, they did eventually leave us to enjoy one of the best river seasons in a long time. It was clear to see that a lot of anglers tried these venues again, switching to styles of fishing some had forgotten.

Autumn and early winter was awesome on the banks, and with many commercials closing their gates during the first part of 2021 it was the rivers which became the focus for us all. Even during the floods there were some remarkable catches.

There’s no doubting that river fishing kept many anglers, including myself, on the right side of sane this season, and it seems they’re about to go out with a bang too.

Judging by the size and volume of specimen-sized fish we’re receiving, there’s no doubt the rivers are in perfect nick for the catch of a lifetime.

This weekend is your last chance for a while to run a float downstream or sneak a bait in front of a hungry chub, and I urge you to give the season the send-off it deserves.

Get yourself out on the bank for one final fling, then tip your hat as a thanks for all they’ve given us this season.

Here’s to our rivers – enjoy the break and we’ll be back on your banks again on

June 16.

I can’t wait!